Thursday, June 16, 2016

Review: Large Base Detail Kit by Games Workshop

I was in my local comics and games shop the other day when I spotted this kit.

I decided to pick it up: I make all the details for my own sci fi bases, but the inspiration has been flagging lately. And A$50 for over seventy bits didn't seem to bad, compared to what I'd pay if I picked up other random bits from resellers.

Here's what you get, two of each of these two sprues.

But can I just say, don't do what I did! Do not buy this kit!

When I opened the box and pulled out the first sprue, my first thought was, "This must be upside down. The detail is pretty soft, this must be the back of the casting." Well, if only! Most of the stuff in the kit looks as if it's been recast in Outer Mongolia using aeroplane jelly for the mould! Grrr! Soft detail everywhere. It's tricky to pick up in the pictures, but have a look at these.

Checkerplate pattern, compared to a plasticard sheet from the local hobby shop. A heavy undercoat on the GW bit, and you wouldn't even know it was there.

A streetlamp, compared to the same model from one of GW's building kits. Notice the soft, rounded edges.

Compare the detail on the skulls and the lights. This kit looks like the stuff you'd get on a kid's toy.

Needless to say, I'm not at all impressed. Say what you like about GW's style, their business model, their pricing; normally their models are technically top-line. Definitely not here.

Do not buy this kit (unless you'd like to get it second hand - I know someone trying to get rid of one)!

Wow, I had just about decided to buy this later today when I saw this. The same soft details were on their new bases as well, so I guess they're using some cheaper molds for this stuff. Pretty disappointing.